But certainly at first S. Francis was not supported by the Duke in the manner he had expected and desired, and also no doubt can exist that when the sword was used he employed his best endeavours to prevent its being wantonly and cruelly wielded. His letters show plainly that his success in convincing the people of the Chablais was almost nil till their fears were excited, and they were afforded other reasons for renouncing Protestantism than conviction that Romanism was better.
The real difficulty S. Francis encountered at first was that the people would not listen to him. The attitude of the people he thus describes: "One party do not wish to hear; the other excuse themselves on the risk they would run if the truce were broken, should they have shown any approval of Catholicism; ... others again are persuaded of the faith, but we cannot induce them to confess it, not knowing what will be the end of the truce" (Letter 9). In Letter 32 he asked the Duke to allow a senator to call the citizens together, and in his magisterial robes invite them to listen to his sermons.
At last conviction was supposed to be obtained, and a profession of submission to the Catholic faith extorted, when the inhabitants who were contumacious were threatened with expulsion. But it must be remembered that the Protestant cantons of Switzerland were equally intolerant, and determined to expel recalcitrant Catholics.
END OF VOL. 1.
Printed by Ballantyne, Hanson & Co.
Edinburgh & London
Transcriber's notes:
- Difference in spelling of 'Ken-tiern' and 'Kentiern' is caused by usage of words.
- Difference in spelling of 'Münster' and 'Munster' is caused by different meanings.
- Ligatures not converted - set as printed in book.
- Inserted 'S.' (for Saint) Theoritgitha in alphabetical list (toc) of Saints.